A Sizzling Celebration of Creativity and Flavor in Downtown Lafayette!
LAFAYETTE, LA – Brace yourselves, food enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, for Lafayette’s Parc International is about to turn into a flavor-packed battleground as the 16th annual Boudin Cook-off and Acadiana Bacon Fest returns! Embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other on October 21, 2023, as this iconic event promises an explosion of taste sensations as sixteen teams put their best culinary chops forward.
The Boudin Cook-off and Bacon Fest, created and coordinated by the visionary Robert Carriker, has become an epic showcase of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage and the boundless creativity found in its meat shops and kitchens. What started as a humble cook-off has blossomed into a grand celebration of boudin, bacon, and culinary ingenuity that is eagerly anticipated by foodies and chefs alike.
Last year’s People’s Choice winner, Lazy Caveman Boudin, used their triumph as a launchpad to open a boudin shop in Broussard. “That’s the very essence of this celebration of our shared culinary culture,” declares Carriker. “We welcome all boudin makers and bacon-centered cooks to showcase their talents and innovation.”
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary journey as teams from every corner of Louisiana, and even from as far away as Texas, converge in Acadiana to compete for the title of “Best Boudin in Louisiana.” From Baton Rouge to the Texan heartland, these talented teams are making their way to Lafayette, the epicenter of all things boudin. “The teams coming from Texas are so devoted to boudin that they want to be here, in the center of Cajun Country, so that they can both show off and connect,” explains Carriker.
But that’s not all! The event is open to the public, free of charge, and offers an array of mouthwatering delights. Festivalgoers can purchase tickets for a taste of the exquisite boudin and bacon creations prepared by each team. The competition is fierce, with judges carefully evaluating each culinary masterpiece, and the coveted “People’s Choice” awards decided by the public.
Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable day filled with entertainment! The event’s schedule includes the world’s only boudin ball eating contest and the world’s only boudin and bacon eating contest. Live music from The Babineaux Sisters, the Specklers, Poisson Rouge, and Old Trashpile Road will set the stage for a lively atmosphere. Free ice cream sandwiches will be handed out in the afternoon, while free games, fun jumps, and face painting promise endless amusement for both the young and the young-at-heart.
For the full schedule and a lineup of culinary teams, visit www.boudinicookoff.com or check out the event’s Facebook page at Boudin Cook-off. Best of all, the proceeds from this spectacular event go to the Blue Monday Mission’s initiative, which raises funds to support local musicians in times of need.
So, mark your calendars and prepare your palates for the culinary event of the year! Join us at the 16th annual Boudin Cook-off and Acadiana Bacon Fest on October 21, 2023, and let your taste buds embark on an adventure they won’t soon forget!
About Boudin Cook-off and Acadiana Bacon Fest:
The Boudin Cook-off and Acadiana Bacon Fest is an annual celebration of culinary excellence, bringing together boudin and bacon enthusiasts from across Louisiana and beyond. Created and coordinated by Robert Carriker, this event showcases the talent and creativity of chefs and boudin makers while providing a platform for the public to savor delicious food, enjoy live music, and support local musicians through the Blue Monday Mission. For more information, visit www.boudinicookoff.com.
